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Despite common perceptions, male factors alone are responsible for about 30% of all infertility cases and contribute to another 20% when combined with female factors. This highlights the importance of evaluating both partners in infertility assessments.
Infertility
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Read MoreKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Kimberly Eyer
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Kimberly Eyer
Read MoreKimberly Eyer, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of nursing experience across diverse settings, including Home Health, ICU, Operating Room Nursing, and Research. Her roles have encompassed Operating Room Nurse, RN First Assistant, and Acting Director of a Same Day Surgery Center. Her specialty areas include Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery.
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. It affects both men and women and can be due to various physical, hormonal, or genetic factors. Treatments include medication, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies, and lifestyle changes.
Research feed Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
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Fact-checked by:
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Kimberly Eyer
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Kimberly Eyer
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Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Microbiome Signatures
Overview 
Research Feed Overview
Infertility is a complex reproductive health issue, defined by failing to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. The criteria may differ depending on factors like age. The World Health Organization identifies it as a global public health concern, affecting about 17.5% of couples globally [x]. Conditions like endometriosis and erectile dysfunction can cause infertility. Identifying these causes is essential for effective treatment.
What female factors are associated with infertility?
| Cause of Female Infertility | Description |
|---|---|
| Ovulatory Disorders | This is the most common cause of female infertility and includes conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hypothalamic dysfunction. |
| Tubal Factors | Blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from being fertilized or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. This can be due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or previous surgeries. |
| Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities | Structural abnormalities of the uterus or cervix can interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. This includes anomalies like fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies. |
| Endometriosis | A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside it, which can affect the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. |
What male factors are associated with infertility?
| Cause of Male Infertility | Description |
|---|---|
| Sperm Disorders | Problems with sperm production, function, or delivery, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormalities in sperm morphology. |
| Varicocele | Enlargement of the veins within the scrotum that can affect sperm production and function. |
| Hormonal Disorders | Imbalances in hormonal systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis can impair sperm production. |
| Ejaculatory and Erectile Dysfunction | Issues with ejaculation or erectile function can interfere with the delivery of sperm. |
Diagnosis
Evaluating infertility involves complex, gender-specific diagnostic tests. In women, doctors assess ovulation, ovarian reserve, and the uterus and fallopian tubes’ condition. They use hysterosalpingography, transvaginal ultrasound, and laparoscopy for these evaluations. For men, the primary diagnostic tool is semen analysis, which checks sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additional male tests may include hormone profiling, ultrasound exams, or genetic testing to detect underlying problems. This tailored approach precisely identifies infertility causes in couples seeking help.
Treatment
Infertility treatment depends on its cause, duration, partner ages, and personal choices. Options range from medication for ovulation and hormone balance to surgery for endometriosis and anatomical issues. If unsuccessful, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may follow. Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol, can also boost fertility.
Implications
Infertility can have profound psychological and social impacts. It is often associated with stigma, emotional distress, and depression. Couples may experience stress in their relationship and personal anxiety. Hence, psychological support and counseling are also integral parts of infertility treatment.
Research Feed
Association of the Cervical Microbiota With Pregnancy Outcome in a Subfertile Population Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Case-Control Study
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Characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with asthenozoospermia: a Chinese pilot study
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) involves the consistent inability to sustain an erection, frequently connected to broader health issues and disturbances in the gut microbiome.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. It affects both men and women and can be due to various physical, hormonal, or genetic factors. Treatments include medication, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies, and lifestyle changes.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.